9.5.10 Labour win May 2010 Election

LABOUR has romped home to a massive victory in Camden winning back the overall majority they historically lost in 2006.

They have won a huge number of wards back from the Liberal Democrats, the Conservatives and the Greens including Kentish Town, Gospel Oak, Kilburn and two seats in Highgate.

The Tories secured two seats in Belsize but lost control of Gospel Oak and despite a hard fought campaign did not win any seats in West Hampstead or Fortune Green from the Lib Dems.

Leader of the group Cllr Nash Ali said: "I am really excited. We are all over the moon - it is all about people power.

"The people came out and voted for us and all our candidates have worked so hard. They have spoken to thousands of people and they have voted for us.

"We want to make sure the way forward is what the people want in terms of policies. We are going to stop the housing sell-off and continue with the decent homes programme as well as prioritise schools funding.

"We will follow our manifesto. I am really looking forward to being leader it is very exciting. We expected a victory but not one as decisive as this."

The Liberal Democrats suffered a hard defeat, struggling with the general and local elections on the same day.

Leader of the Liberal Democrat group Cllr Keith Moffitt, who held onto his seat in West Hampstead, said: "There are ups and downs in politics.

"The Lib Dems in Camden have had a long upward trajectory. Hopefully this is a temporary setback but it has been very tough having the general and local elections on the same day.

"We have still got 10 councillors which is great and if we win Haverstock we will be the official opposition.